In February 2025, the European Commission published guidelines clarifying key aspects of the EU Artificial Intelligence Act, focusing on prohibited AI practices. The guidelines provide detailed interpretations of eight specific practices that are banned under the Act, such as the use of AI for manipulative advertising and predictive policing.
The European Union’s Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act) is the world’s first comprehensive regulation on AI, impacting not only European entities but also U.S.-based organizations that develop or use AI technologies. Companies must prepare for compliance by assessing their AI systems against the Act’s risk categories and implementing necessary governance measures.
During the AI Health Law & Policy Summit, panelists discussed the complexities of the EU’s AI Act and the challenges of global regulatory compliance for AI-enabled medical products. Experts emphasized the importance of proactive engagement with regulatory bodies and the need for companies to adapt their governance frameworks to meet evolving compliance requirements.
The EU AI Act is setting a precedent as the world’s first comprehensive regulation for artificial intelligence, with phased implementation and complex compliance requirements. Key obligations focus on AI literacy and the prohibition of harmful practices, while the upcoming Code of Practice for general-purpose AI models is currently delayed.
The EU AI Act Newsletter #78 discusses the European Commission’s ongoing efforts in developing AI regulations, including stakeholder feedback on definitions and prohibited practices, as well as the need for AI literacy among providers. It also highlights concerns over bureaucratic red tape and the importance of maintaining AI safety standards while fostering innovation.
The EU AI Act, effective from August 2024, mandates that organizations ensure their staff have sufficient AI literacy, applicable to any entity providing or deploying AI systems within the EU. Non-compliance can result in significant fines, making it essential for companies to invest in AI training as a competitive advantage.
AI is revolutionizing recruitment by streamlining processes such as resume screening and candidate engagement, but it also raises concerns about bias and compliance with regulations. While the EU has established comprehensive regulations on AI use, the U.S. currently lacks uniform federal laws, leading to a patchwork of state-level regulations.
EU policy adviser Kai Zenner has warned that many EU member states are facing financial difficulties and a shortage of expertise necessary to enforce the AI Act effectively. As the phased implementation of the AI Act begins, member nations must establish rules for penalties and fines by August 2.
The article discusses the implications of the EU Artificial Intelligence Act on neurotechnologies, particularly in the context of neurorights and the regulation of AI systems. It highlights the definition of an AI system, the prohibitions on subliminal techniques, and the categorization of high-risk applications in areas such as emotion recognition and biometric data usage.
Enforcement of the EU AI Act is facing significant challenges due to a lack of funding and expertise, according to European Parliament digital policy advisor Kai Zenner. He highlighted that many member states are struggling financially and losing technical talent to tech companies, which complicates the regulation of AI technologies.